By Onalo Mamodu
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enhance waterway safety and drive economic development.
Governor Usman Ododo gave the assurance in Lokoja while receiving the Chairman and members of the NIWA Governing Board on a courtesy visit.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr Joel Salifu, stressed that the state government recognizes inland waterways as critical drivers of trade, tourism, job creation, and national integration, assuring NIWA of a peaceful and enabling environment to effectively discharge its mandate.
Governor Ododo commended NIWA and its Water Marshals for their swift and professional response to recent boat mishaps in Kupa in November 2024 and Ibaji in September 2025, noting that their timely intervention helped to save lives and property despite the unfortunate incidents.
He further described Kogi State as proud to host the headquarters of NIWA in Lokoja, emphasizing the strategic importance of the state to inland water transportation and overall national development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, said the visit was aimed at familiarizing the board with the government and people of Kogi State as the host state of the Authority.
He pledged NIWA’s continued support and partnership with the Kogi State Government, adding that the collaboration would help open new frontiers for youth employment through river transport services, ferry operations, fishing, and boat building.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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